Make this your Hacienda

Several large seating areas are decorated with an authentic Mexican feel at La Hacienda in Port Arthur. Guiseppe Barranco/cat5

The menu: is a delightful selection of Tex Mex faves, authentic Mexican standouts and even a tempting array of American and Texas classics. For those who prefer the Tex Mex experience, look under the combination dinners. Try the No. 2 with a crispy beef taco, guacamole salad, chile con queso puff and cheese enchilada for just $6.95. You can add rice and beans for $1.50 extra. If you’re in a fajita mood, try something a little different — the Alambre comes with skewered steak, ham, onions, tomatoes and peppers.

Look under the especialidades del chef (chef specialties) for the more authentic items. For a healthy dose of fish, try the snapper steamed in foil with lemon butter sauce, wine, onions, cilantro, jalepenos, mushrooms, tomatoes and fresh garlic.

Ay caramba!

Meat lovers will be smart to try the steak a la Mexicana — diced beef, with tomatoes and onions, served with guac, rice, beans and tortillas.

It’s had to pass up the non-Mexican items at this place, too. There’s a Texas fried steak with gravy, veggies and mashed potatoes for $9.95.

On both my visits to this place, I have been royally tempted by the Crown Royal chicken breast that comes topped with sautéed crabmeat and crawfish. You had me at crawfish.

Prices: Starting under the appetizers, a half order of nachos sabrosos with beans, cheese and jalapenos will set you back just $3.50. Shrimp and fajitas for 2 with rice, beans and guac is $25.10.

The most expensive item on the menu feeds 4 people – the Mexican mixed grill with beef, chicken, quail and shrimp and all the sides for $56.95.

Many of the entrees fall in the $7-9 range, so you can definitely leave here stuffed for under $15.00.

Recommendations: My fellow diner, who happens to be my lovely mom, thoroughly enjoyed the shrimp Mazatlan. The shrimp were marinated in garlic, butter and wine, then sautéed in a special salsa. The shrimp were large and flavorful, and my mother accurately noted that the dish was so good because the sauce didn’t over flavor the shrimp. Delish.

Don’t miss: Well, it’s kind of the best thing about this place, but I had to save it for this

The buffet at La Hacienda. Guiseppe Barranco/cat5

section – the buffet. Yes, a Tex Mex bit of heaven, for just $10.95. Rice and beans to your hearts content, plus cheese or beef quesadillas made before your very eyes. As well, indulge in an authentic chicken or beef soup, chunky with vegetables.

The cheese enchiladas are maximally cheesy and the chili sauce is just right. My dad really enjoyed the pork in green sauce as well.

There are more choices, including taquitos, crunchy tacos or fajita beef or chicken, plus all the Tex Mex toppings your little belly can hold.

The drink situation: A full bar will meet all your needs. Try a pina colada or a small half and half margarita for just $3.25. That’s half frozen, with the liquid margarita poured on top. Pretty great deal.

The cantina at La Hacienda. Guiseppe Barranco/cat5

Atmosphere: You really can’t ask for a better Tex Mex atmosphere. Tiles and bright colors give it that feel we’ve all come to love. This is a pretty big place, with booths, tables and a few different rooms. If it’s a nice day, ask to sit in the enclosed patio area.

There’s a fountain and everything. And don’t forget, there is still smoking allowed, so be sure to request smoking or non.

Guiseppe Barranco/cat5

Extras and specials: Happy hour here is worth checking out. Six days a week from 2-7 p.m. you can get a small margarita for $2.50 or small flavored margarita for $3.00.

On Wednesdays, Happy hour is all day. Yes, that’s what I said. And on Thursday, come in all day and get a free appetizer order of the nachos sabrosos with your meal. At lunch, Monday – Friday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., the amazing buffet is just $7.99.

The verdict: We all know that Southeast Texas is the place to be if you want to eat good Tex Mex. So if you haven’t added La Hacienda to your Tex Mex rep, now is the time to do it.